My 137 Challenge for ActionAid 💪

This October, I’m taking part in The 137 Challenge with ActionAid, completing 137 movements every day for one month to raise money and stand in solidarity with women and girls around the world.

My usual daily challenge will be:

87 step-ups

25 squats

25 sit-ups

= 137 movements every day

Why 137?

One in three women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime, and globally 137 women are killed every day by a partner, family member or friend.

Around the world, ActionAid works alongside women and girls who are fighting to claim their rights and challenge the systems and beliefs that allow violence against women and girls to continue.

This cause is incredibly close to my heart because I work for Jasmine House, Leicester Rape Crisis 💚, supporting women who have experienced sexual violence, abuse and trauma. Through my work, I see the impact that violence can have long after the immediate experience has ended, and I see just how important it is for women to have access to specialist support where they can feel heard, believed and empowered.

While the money raised through this particular challenge will go to ActionAid, I’ll also be taking part with the women I support through my work very much in mind.

I also live with endometriosis, so I know this challenge will be much harder on some days than others. During a significant flare, movements such as squats and particularly sit-ups may simply not be manageable because of the areas where I experience pain.

On those days, I’ll adapt rather than stop.

Instead of my usual combination, I’ll complete 137 step-ups, as these are generally much more manageable for me during a flare.

For me, this challenge isn’t about ignoring pain or pushing my body beyond what is safe. It’s about finding a way to remain consistent, adapting when I need to, and continuing to show up every day.

Despite experiencing my own physical pain, I want to use what my body can do to stand in solidarity with women and girls around the world who are experiencing violence and fighting for their rights.

Every donation, no matter how small, will help support ActionAid’s work with women and girls around the world.

If you’d like to find out more about the amazing work ActionAid does, please visit www.actionaid.org.uk⁠

Thank you so much for supporting my challenge 💜

137 movements. Every day. One month. For women and girls everywhere.